Facsimile apparatus, and control method, program, and storage medium therefor

ABSTRACT

A facsimile apparatus can execute at least one of a first facsimile communication which is executed via a first communication path including a public line and a second facsimile communication executed via a second communication path that does not include the public line. Limit information indicating a number of communications which can be executed in parallel, the communications including at least one of the first facsimile communication and the second facsimile communication is stored and managed. An initiation request of a new facsimile communication is accepted when a facsimile communication is executed by using at least one of the first communication path and the second communication path. It is determined whether a communication path used for the new facsimile communication is the first communication path or the second communication path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable ofperforming a plurality of facsimile communications in parallel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Up to now, there are proposed an apparatus having a G3 facsimilecommunication function which is executed via a public line whilefollowing ITU-T Recommendation T.30 (hereinafter referred to as T.30communication) and an apparatus having a store-and-forward facsimilecommunication function which is executed via the Internet whilefollowing ITU-T Recommendation T.37. Then, as described in JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2002-44357, an apparatus having a real-timeInternet facsimile communication function which is executed via a LAN orthe Internet while following ITU-T Recommendation T.38 (hereinafterreferred to as T.38 communication) has been also developed forperforming a communication in real time by using the Internet in recentyears. According to this T.38 communication, via a gateway (GW)apparatus complying with ITU-T Recommendation T.38 (hereinafter referredto as T.38 GW), it is becoming possible to perform a communication witha T.30 communication capable apparatus connected to the public line.

It is noted that the T.30 communication capable apparatus refers to ananalog terminal apparatus such as a telephone or a facsimile apparatuswhich can be connected to the public line in this case. On the otherhand, a T.38 communication capable apparatus refers to a digitalterminal apparatus which performs a packet communication complying withInternet Protocol and which can be connected to a data communicationnetwork such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

Incidentally, in a system for performing the T.38 or T.30 communicationthrough the connection to the above-described various networks, acommunication logical channel allows a large number of connections. Inother words, it is possible to execute a plurality of facsimilecommunications in parallel. However, if more than a certain number offacsimile communications are executed in parallel, a system load becomeslarge, and there is a problem that a processing may not be performed intime in an apparatus on a transmission side or a reception side. Inparticular, if an encoding processing on the transmission side or adecoding processing on the reception side is delayed, there is apossibility that a delay of a facsimile signal may be generated. If apredetermined timer value is exceeded, the communication isdisconnected.

In addition, in a case where a communication via the T.38 GW or PSTN tothe T.30 communication capable apparatus is performed, there is aproblem that the processing is not performed in time and thecommunication cannot be performed. That is, in particular, in the caseof the T.30 communication, the above-described timer value is strictlyprescribed, and there is a possibility that the communication may befrequently disconnected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system in which even when a pluralityof facsimile communications are executed in parallel, the respectivefacsimile communications can be executed in parallel with certainty bypreviously setting the number of facsimile communications which can beexecuted in parallel.

That is, according to an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a facsimile apparatus, including: a facsimile communicationunit configured to execute at least one of a first facsimilecommunication which is executed via a first communication path includinga public line and a second facsimile communication which is executed viaa second communication path that does not include the public line; amanagement unit configured to manage limit information indicating anumber of communications which can be executed in parallel, thecommunications including at least one of the first facsimilecommunication and the second facsimile communication; an accepting unitconfigured to accept an initiation request of a new facsimilecommunication when a facsimile communication is executed by using atleast one of the first communication path and the second communicationpath; a determination unit configured to determine whether acommunication path used for the new facsimile communication is the firstcommunication path or the second communication path; and a control unitconfigured to control the facsimile communication unit by determiningwhether or not to initiate the new facsimile communication based on thelimit information managed by the management unit and a determinationresult of the determination unit.

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a control method for a facsimile apparatus which is capable ofexecuting at least one of a first facsimile communication which isexecuted via a first communication path including a public line and asecond facsimile communication which is executed via a secondcommunication path that does not include the public line, the controlmethod including: storing limit information in a storage medium andmanaging the limit information indicating a number of communicationswhich can be executed in parallel, the communications including at leastone of the first facsimile communication and the second facsimilecommunication; accepting an initiation request of a new facsimilecommunication when a facsimile communication is executed by using atleast one of the first communication path and the second communicationpath; determining whether a communication path used for the newfacsimile communication is the first communication path or the secondcommunication path; and controlling an execution of the facsimilecommunication by determining whether or not to initiate the newfacsimile communication based on the managed limit information and aresult of the determination.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a computer readable storage medium storing a program forinstructing a computer to execute the above-described control method.

Moreover, according to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a program for instructing a computer to execute theabove-described control.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principle of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data communication system example towhich a data communication apparatus according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of an imageforming apparatus to which the data communication apparatus according tothe present embodiment is applied.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for describing the configuration of theimage forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first session example in the data communicationapparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second session example in the data communicationapparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first communication processingprocedure in the data communication apparatus according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a display transit of a user interface(I/F) screen of a user mode displayed on an operation panel unitillustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a first communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a second communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a third communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a fourth communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a memory map of a storage mediumstoring various data processing programs which can be read by the datacommunication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the drawings.

<Description of the System Configuration> First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data communication system example towhich a data communication apparatus according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is applied. The present example is asystem example in which an image forming apparatus including the datacommunication apparatus can perform a direct communication with a T.38communication capable facsimile apparatus via the Internet or acommunication with a T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus viaa T.38 GW.

In FIG. 1, facsimile apparatuses 1001 and 1006 can cope with, forexample, a T.38 communication. The facsimile apparatuses 1001 and 1006are connected to each other via an Internet 1003 and a network 1002 sothat the communication can be performed.

Also, the facsimile apparatus 1001 is configured to be able tocommunicate with a T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus 1007via the network 1002, the Internet 1003, a T.38 GW 1004, and an analogpublic line 1005.

The T.38 GW 1004 executes a T.30 communication with the G3 FAX 1007which is connected via the analog public line 1005.

The T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses 1001 and 1006execute the T.38 communication while being connected via the Internet1003.

In addition, the facsimile apparatus 1001 and the facsimile apparatus1007 are connected to each other via the network 1002, the Internet1003, and the T.38 GW 1004 and execute the T.30 communication.

At this time, the T.38 communication is executed between the facsimileapparatus 1001 and the T.38 GW 1004.

Also, the T.38 GW 1004 is connected to the facsimile apparatus 1007 viathe analog public line 1005 to execute the T.30 communication.

The facsimile apparatus 1001 is configured to be able to establish aplurality of communication sessions via the Internet 1003. Then, it ispossible to execute the facsimile communication in parallel with theplurality of T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses and T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the Internet 1003. It isnoted that although not illustrated in the drawing, a data communicationapparatus having the similar function of the facsimile apparatus 1006 orthe facsimile apparatus 1007 is further provided on the Internet 1003 orthe public line 1005.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of an imageforming apparatus to which the data communication apparatus according tothe present embodiment is applied. Also, such a configuration is adoptedthat a SIP server which will be described later, the T.38 GW, the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatus, the T.38 communicationcapable facsimile apparatus, and the like can be connected to a network201. It is noted that according to the present embodiment, a case inwhich the data communication apparatus is applied to the image formingapparatus is applied will be described, but a case in which the datacommunication apparatus is applied to a computer apparatus is appliedmay also be employed.

It is noted that according to the present embodiment, the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatus 1007 is used as an example ofa first data communication apparatus which can be connected to theInternet 1003 via the T.38 GW 1004. Also, the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus 1006 is used as an example of a second datacommunication apparatus which can be connected to the Internet 1003.Then, the facsimile apparatus 1001 which is the data communicationapparatus example executes the T.38 communications with the facsimileapparatus 1007 or the facsimile apparatus 1006 via the Internet 1003 totransmit and receive the data.

Also, in the facsimile apparatus 1001, through an operation screenillustrated in FIG. 7 which will be described later, via the T.38 GW1004, it is possible to set a first concurrent communication limitnumber by which the T.38 communications are executed concurrently withthe facsimile apparatus 1007 that can be connected to the Internet 1003.Similarly, it is possible to set a second concurrent communication limitnumber by which the T.38 communications are executed concurrently withthe facsimile apparatus 1006 that can be connected to the Internet 1003.

Furthermore, it is possible to individually set a third concurrentcommunication limit number by which the facsimile apparatus 1007 and thefacsimile apparatus 1006 concurrently execute the T.38 communications.

A CPU 207 which will be described later determines whether a destinationterminal which requests a communication initiation is the first orsecond data communication apparatus in accordance with a controlprocedure illustrated in FIG. 6. Then, in a case where the communicationrequest is received from the determined first or second datacommunication apparatus, the CPU 207 determines whether the set first tothird concurrent communication limit numbers are exceeded.

When it is determined that at least one of the first to third concurrentcommunication limit numbers is exceeded, the execution of the facsimilecommunication with respect to the first or second data communicationapparatus is limited. With this configuration, such a situation isavoided that while a plurality of facsimile communications can beconcurrently executed, as the predetermined number of communications isexceeded, the system load becomes large and those processings are notperformed in time.

In FIG. 2, a digital multifunction apparatus 202 includes a control unit204 for governing operations of the entire digital multifunctionapparatus. Then, the digital multifunction apparatus 202 includes aprinter apparatus 214 configured to print an output image on a recodingsheet and a reader apparatus 218 configured to read an input image fromthe recoding sheet and take the image into the apparatus as data.

The control unit 204 communicates with the respective terminalapparatuses through an input and output unit 205 configured to governthe input and output with respect to individual client terminals orserver terminals via a communication line 203 which is connected to thenetwork 201. Also, an input and output buffer 206 is utilized fortransmitting and receiving various data including a control code forprinting which is input from the network and various PDL data within theapparatus.

It is noted that the input and output unit 205 of the image formingapparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured to be able to execute theT.30 communication with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus via the network 201. Also, the input and output unit 205 isconfigured to be able to execute the T.38 communication with the T.38communication capable facsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW.

The CPU 207 controls the operations of the entire control unit 204. Aprogram for describing the operations of the CPU 207 is saved in aprogram ROM 222.

A RAM 212 is used as a work memory for performing a calculation requiredfor an interpretation and a print of the above-described control codeand data, reading of an image, and the like, and for performing aprocessing on the input image data. It is noted that on the RAM, anon-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 233 is provided for storing data that isnecessary to be saved even a power source of the apparatus is turnedOFF.

The program ROM 222 includes a control data interpretation unit 223configured to interpret print control data received from a hostcomputer. The program ROM 222 also includes a PDL data interpretationunit 224 configured to interpret the PDL and an image informationgeneration unit 225 configured to generate various image objects.

Furthermore, the program ROM 222 also includes a bitmap image expansionunit 226 configured to expand an image object to a bitmap image and animage compression/decompression unit 227 configured to perform acompression/decompression processing on the bitmap image obtainedthrough the respective processings.

In addition, the program ROM 222 also includes an image data print unit228 configured to govern the control at the time of the image dataprinting, an image data transmission unit 229 configured to govern thecontrol at the time of the image data transmission, and an image datareading unit 230 configured to govern the control at the time of theimage data scanning.

In addition, the program ROM 222 also includes a registered imagemanagement unit 231 configured to reuse the expanded image or the PDLdata for the printing and store and manage overlay data utilized as atemplate form in a external memory unit 210.

Moreover, the program ROM 222 also includes a user management unit 232configured to manage user information such as a user name of a user whocan utilize the apparatus and a password. In addition, the program ROM222 also includes a user authentication unit 236 configured to performan authentication of a user in a case where the apparatus is accessed byway of the data and the panel and an image synthesis unit 237 configuredto issue a color processing failure warning at the time of variableprint and solve the failure.

A bitmap image transfer unit 217 is configured to transfer the bitmapimage expanded by the bitmap image expansion unit, the bitmap image readby the reader apparatus, and the like to the printer apparatus. Ascanner I/F unit 220 connects among an engine I/F unit 216 whichconnects a control unit of the printer apparatus 214, the readerapparatus 218, and the control unit.

In addition, a bitmap image reception unit 221 is configured to take inthe bitmap image read from the reader apparatus 218. Then, an operationpanel unit 208 is configured to input information for limiting commandsfor each user, perform the operations of the entire apparatus, anddisplay an error, an operation guide, and the like.

Furthermore, a panel I/F unit 209 connects the control unit 204 and theoperation panel unit 208. A memory I/F unit 211 connects among theexternal memory unit 210 utilized for the saving of the print data, theimage data input from the outside, various information of the printapparatus, etc., the control unit, and an external memory. In addition,the memory I/F unit 211 is provided with a system bus 213 which connectsthe respective units.

The operation panel unit 208 includes a liquid crystal panel on which aregistered registration screen is displayed and various information ofthe present digital multifunction apparatus such as a print situation isdisplayed. This liquid crystal panel also functions as a touch panel. Ina case where the user touches the touch panel, the input is detected,and it is possible to input text information or the like from thescreen.

Also, on the operation panel unit 208, a start key for instructing astart of the copying, a reset key for resetting the apparatus, an ON/OFFswitch for the power source, numeric keypads for specifying the numberof copies, and the like are arranged. In addition, on the operationpanel unit 208, a cursor key and an enter key utilized for moving acursor displayed on the liquid crystal panel and selecting the displayedfunctions, and keys of copied functions of the digital multifunctionapparatus are arranged. Furthermore, on the operation panel unit 208, afunction key for switching modes to the image transmission and thedocument management and a login key for identifying and authenticatingthe user of the apparatus.

In addition, in the printer apparatus 214, an engine control unit 215configured to perform the print control from the sheet feed and theprinting until the sheet discharge exists. Also, in the reader apparatus218, a scanner control unit 219 configured to perform the image readingcontrol from the feeding of the recoding sheet for reading the image andthe image reading until the sheet discharge exists.

Next, a detail of the digital multifunction apparatus described in FIG.2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. This multifunctionapparatus has the functions of copy, printer, FAX, and transmission.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for describing the configuration of theimage forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3A illustrates atop face of an original plate of the reader apparatus 218, FIG. 3Billustrates a cross section of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3Cillustrates a side face of an original pressing plate from which an ADFof the reader apparatus 218 is removed.

In FIGS. 3A to 3C, the multifunction apparatus is composed of a scanner301, a document feeder (DF) 302, a printer 313 provided with four colordrums for print recording, a sheet feed deck 314, and a finisher 315.

First, a description will be given of a reading operation which isperformed mainly by the scanner 301.

In a case where a reading is performed by setting an original on anoriginal plate, the original is set on an original plate 307 and the DF302 is closed. In response to that, an open and close sensor detectsthat the original plate is closed, and thereafter, reflection typeoriginal size detection sensors 331 to 335 provided in a housing of thescanner 301 detect the size of the set original.

While this size detection is used as the starting point, the original isirradiated at a light source 310, and an image is read by a CCD 343 viaa reflection plate 311 and a lens 312. After that, the image isconverted into a digital signal. Then, a predetermined image processingis performed on the digital signal to the digital signal into a laserrecording signal. The converted recording signal is stored in a memoryinside a controller.

In a case where an original is set to the DF 302, the original is placedto be faced up on a tray of an original set unit 303 of the DF 302. Inresponse to that, an original presence/absence sensor 304 detects thatthe original is set. As a result, an original feed roller 305 and aconveying belt 306 rotate to convey the original, and the original isset at a predetermined position on the original plate 307. After thisstep, the image is read similarly to the case of the reading at theoriginal plate and stored in the memory inside the controller.

When the reading is completed in this manner, the conveying belt 306rotates again to convey the original to the right-hand side in thedrawing, and the original is discharged via a conveying roller 308 onthe sheet discharge side to a sheet discharge tray 309.

In a case where a plurality of originals exists, concurrently with theoriginal discharged and conveyed to the right-hand side in the drawingfrom the original plate, the next original is fed via the original feedroller 305, and a reading of the next original is continuouslyperformed. The above-described process is the operation of the scanner.

Subsequently, a description will be given of the print operation mainlyperformed by the printer 313. The recording signal (the print imagedata) temporarily stored in the memory inside the controller istransferred to the printer 313. Then, the recording signal is convertedinto four color recording laser beams of Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, andBlack at a laser recording unit. Then, photosensitive members 316 of therespective colors are irradiated with the laser beams, thus formingelectrostatic latent images on the photosensitive members.

Then, toner development is performed by using toner supplied from tonercartridges 317, and visualized images are subjected to primal transferonto an intermediate transfer belt 321.

After that, the intermediate transfer belt 321 is rotated in a clockwisedirection, and the recording sheet fed through sheet cassettes 318 orfrom the sheet feed deck 314 to a sheet feed conveying path 319 reachesa secondary transfer position 320. Then, the image is transferred fromthe intermediate transfer belt 321 to the recording sheet.

The recording sheet onto which the image has been transferred issubjected to toner fixation at a fixing device 322 with pressure andheat. After conveyed through a sheet discharge conveying path, therecording sheet is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. At thistime, the recording sheet is discharged faced down to a center tray 323,switched backed to a sheet discharge port 324 of the finisher, ordischarged faced up to a side tray 325.

It is noted that the side tray 325 can be used as a sheet discharge portonly in a case where the finisher 315 is not mounted.

Flappers 326 and 327 are used for switching the sheet feed paths toswitch these sheet discharge ports. In a case of a duplex print, afterthe recording sheet passes through the fixing device 322, the flapper327 switches the sheet feed path. After that, the recording sheet isswitched back and the recording sheet is fed downward. The recordingsheet passes through a duplex printing sheet conveying path 330 to befed to the secondary transfer position 320 again, thus realizing theduplex operation.

Subsequently, an operation performed in the finisher 315 will bedescribed. In the finisher 315, in accordance with a function specifiedby the user, a post-processing is performed on the printed sheet.

To be more specific, the functions of stapling (one spot or two spotbinding), punching (two holes or three holes), saddle stitching, and thelike are provided.

The multifunction apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C has two sheetdischarge trays 328. For the recording sheet passing through the sheetdischarge port 324 towards the finisher 315, based on a setting by theuser, for example, it is possible to sort out the sheet discharge traysfor each of the functions of copying, printer, FAX, and transmission.

Although the printer 313 is the color four drum printer in this example,the printer may be composed of a color one drum engine or a monochromeprinter engine of course.

In a case where this apparatus is used as the printer, depending adriver, it is possible to make various settings such as monochromeprint/color print, sheet size, 2UP/4UP print or N-UP print, duplex,stapling, punching, saddle stitching, inserted sheet, front cover, andback cover.

Next, a function and an operation of the controller of the digitalmultifunction apparatus in the above-described system configuration willbe described by using the host computer as an example.

Herein, the operation with the host computer will be described as anexample, but other host computer or an arbitrary host computer on thenetwork has the similar effects.

<User Authentication>

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when auser ID and a password are detected during the interpretation of thecontrol data, a checking as to whether the relevant user may utilize thedigital multifunction apparatus is performed in the user management unit232.

In response to the specification from the user, when the print executionof the document created in the host computer is instructed, a controlcode and print data (data described in the PDL or the like) transmittedfrom the host computer via the communication line 203 are supplied.Then, the data is accumulated in the RAM 212 via the input and outputbuffer 206 through the host I/F unit 205. Herein, for example, packetdata is transmitted as the data.

Then, a header of the packet data stores an ID representing a packettype. At this time, as the print data is used, an ID representing theprint data is stored.

Next, apparatus control data is provided. The apparatus control data iscomposed of a sequence of commands for setting a control instruction forthe apparatus, a change for a default setting of the apparatus, amanagement state of the apparatus, and the like.

In addition, among the apparatus control data, in a host computer 1, auser ID previously issued for utilizing the apparatus and a passwordcorresponding to the ID are embedded as a part of the data.

Furthermore, data of the PDL is included and transmitted as the printdata, which follows the apparatus control data or is sandwiched betweenpieces of the apparatus control data.

The input data is subjected to the following authentication processingby the user management unit 232 when the user ID is recognized duringthe interpretation of the apparatus control data. In other words, theuser ID and the password are checked by referring to a user informationmanagement table 234 in the currently registered user information on theNVRAM 233. At this time, when the authentication is obtained, thecontrol data is subjected to the processing in a mode of the user whoobtains the authentication (hereinafter referred to as authenticateduser) until the end of the processing.

On the other hand, at this time, in a case where the authentication isnot obtained because the user ID does not exists, the password is notcorrect, etc., an operation is performed in a range that is allowed forthe user who does not obtain the authentication (hereinafter referred toas non-authenticated user).

In usual cases, the processing is often in a standby state until theuser information is determined. In a case where the processing is varieddepending on a user as illustrated in the present embodiment, if theuser authentication processing is performed as soon as possible, otherprocessing is not delayed.

According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the data of theuser ID and the password is set prior to other limiting commands.

In addition, the user authentication is performed the operation panelunit 208 as well. When the login key is pressed, a screen for inputtingthe user name and the password appears on the liquid crystal panel. Atthis time, through the cursors operated by the user, the user ID and thepassword are input, thus performing the user authentication. Thus, it ispossible to perform a processing in accordance with each authenticateduser. In a case where the operation is started without pressing thelogin key, only an operation in a range that is allowed for thenon-authenticated user can be performed.

<Image Generation Function>

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment isprovided with an image generation function for printing or registeringthe document specified with the host computer. The CPU 207 follows theprogram described in the program ROM 222. For the print data, first, apart of the control data is cut out. Then, with the cut control data, aninstruction of a function executed by various control instructions ofthe apparatus, a setting of default information of the apparatus, andthe like are performed by the control data interpretation unit 223.

Herein, the user authentication is performed by the above-described userauthentication unit. After the user authentication is performed and theprocessing in the control data interpretation unit 223 is ended, theinterpretation of the PDL data is performed in the PDL datainterpretation unit 224. Then, based on an interpretation result of thePDL data, the data is processed in the image information generation unit225 to generate image information related to a figure, a character,image data, or the like, piece by piece (image object).

Then, after image information is generated for all the image objects inone page to be printed, the image objects in the page are expanded intobitmap images which can be actually printed in the bitmap imageexpansion unit 226 and stored in the RAM 212.

After that, the bitmap images are compressed in the imagecompression/decompression unit 227 to be stored as compressed images.

Also, through the specification of the control code, it is possible tostore the following data on the RAM 212 for the purpose of beingoperated with an image registration function described below in acollaborative manner. Herein, the data includes data which is notprocessed by the control data interpretation unit 223 or the PDL datainterpretation unit 224 and image (intermediate object image) data whichis not expanded by the bitmap image expansion unit 226.

<Scan Image Reading Function>

The digital multifunction apparatus according to the present embodimentis provided with a scan image reading function for printing orregistering the image read from the original through the reader unit.

In response to the specification from the user, a scanning is instructedthrough a control command from the operation panel unit 208 or the hostcomputer.

To be more specific, the instruction from the user is input through thepanel I/F unit 209 from the operation panel unit 208. As a result, theCPU 207 reads out the program of the image data reading unit 230described in the program ROM 222. Then, the CPU 207 controls theoperation of the reader apparatus 218 through the scanner I/F unit 220to take in the scan image of the original document from the readerapparatus 218 through the scanner I/F unit 220.

After that, the taken image data is stored in the RAM 212 through thebitmap image reception unit 221 and the bitmap images are compressed bythe image compression/decompression unit 227, so that the images areheld in the RAM 212 as the compressed images.

<Image Registration Function>

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment isprovided with an image registration function for registering and savingthe image obtained based on the image generation function or the scanimage reading function in the external memory unit 210.

A description will be provided of a case in which the registration ofthe above-described image obtained based on the image generationfunction or the scan image reading function is specified.

In this case, the compressed images held in the RAM 212 are saved in theexternal memory unit 210 directly as a file name of File0001 through thememory I/F unit 211 and registered by the registered image managementunit 231 together with various setting information on the RAM 212.

This print setting is appropriately written in the NVRAM 233, which isnon-volatile, and thus even when the power source is turned OFF, theinformation is saved.

In addition, according to this image registration function, the methodof registering the compressed images obtained by compressing theabove-described bitmap images is used, but other method may also beemployed. For example, data which is not interpreted by the control datainterpretation unit 223 or the PDL data interpretation unit 224 orintermediate object images which are not expanded by the bitmap imageexpansion unit 226 can also be directly registered.

<Image Print Function>

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is, asdescribed above, provided with the image generation function or an imageprint function of printing the compressed images held on the RAM 212 bythe scan image reading function.

Also, when the print of the image obtained based on the image generationfunction or the scan image reading function is specified, the CPU 207executes the program of the image data print unit 228 described in theprogram ROM 222. Then, the CPU 207 expands the compressed images held inthe RAM 212 with the image compression/decompression unit 227 into thebitmap images for performing the print processing.

In this case, various print settings such as the sheet feed port, thesheet discharge port, and the print mode are set in the engine controlunit 215 through the engine I/F unit 216. In response to that, theselected image is sent to the engine unit in the bitmap image transferunit 217 through the engine I/F unit 216, and the sheet is dischargedfrom the specified sheet discharge port after the print is performed.

Also, based on the image registration function, it is possible to printthe registered image. In that case, in accordance with the image storedon the RAM 212, the following processing is performed in the case ofdata including the control data.

In this case, the control data interpretation unit 223 performs the datainterpretation. In the case of the PDL data, the PDL data interpretationunit 224 performs the data interpretation. Then the data is processed inthe image information generation unit 225 to generate the intermediateobject images.

Then, in the bitmap image expansion unit 226, the image objects in thepage are expanded into the bitmap images which can be actually printed.After that, the expanded bitmap image data is transmitted to the engineunit in the bitmap image transfer unit 217 through the engine I/F unit216 to perform the print.

Also, in the case of the intermediate object images, the image objectsin the page are expanded in the bitmap image expansion unit 226 into thebitmap images which can be actually printed in a page unit. Then, theexpanded bitmap image data is transmitted to the engine unit in thebitmap image transfer unit 217 through the engine I/F unit 216 toperform the print.

<Print Function>

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, aprint function is realized through a print function of continuouslyusing the image generation function and the image print function. Theprint instruction from the host computer by the user is realized by thisprint function.

When the print instruction is performed in this way, the CPU 207executes the image generation function and the image print function, andthe image of the document transmitted from the host computer is expandedand accumulated through the image generation function. Then, along withthis, the print is executed based on the image print function, and thedocument generated in the host computer is printed in the printerapparatus.

<Copy Function>

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, acopy function is realized through a print function of continuously usingthe scan image reading function and the image print function.

The copy instruction is performed by the user while setting the originaldesired to be copied on the reader apparatus, selecting a copy key onthe panel, and pressing a start key, or performed in response to acommand of the control data from the host computer. In response to that,the CPU 207 executes the scan image reading function and the image printfunction, and the scan image of the original is accumulated in the RAM212 based on the scan image reading function. Along with this, the printbased on the image print function is executed to print the image read bythe printer apparatus.

<Image Transmission Function>

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has afunction of transmitting the image data registered based on the imageregistration function. The user instructs the transmission by selectingthe original desired to be transmitted with a transmission key whileselecting the document displayed on the liquid crystal panel orselecting with the host computer. In response to that, the CPU 207follows the program of the image data transmission unit 229 described inthe program ROM 222 to convert the images into the bitmap images withthe image compression/decompression unit 227 to be saved in the RAM 212.

After that, among the images saved in the RAM 212, the user attaches theimage to a mail address specified by the panel or the host computer andtransmits the image via the input and output buffer from the input andoutput unit.

It is noted that according to the present embodiment, in general, thefacsimile apparatus is connected to the analog public line (telephonecircuit). The facsimile apparatus uses the procedure while followingITU-T Recommendation T.30 and uses a modem for processing the analogsignal, thus achieving the T.30 communication to transmit and receivethe image data.

On the other hand, the facsimile communication via the network circuituses the procedure while following ITU-T Recommendation T.38, thusachieving the digital facsimile communication to transmit and receivethe digital data.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first session example in the data communicationapparatus according to the present embodiment. The present exampleillustrates a communication outline between the T.38 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses alone via the network. It is noted thatfor convenience, the description is provided while using a relationbetween the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus, but eachof the apparatuses may also be constituted by a data processingapparatus provided with an IP (Internet Protocol) communicationfunction, that is, a computer apparatus. Furthermore, as will bedescribed later, the similar effects are obtained in the case of animage forming apparatus provided with the IP communication function. Itis noted that in FIG. 4, F1 to F14 represent each session and D1 to D4represent data transfer.

First, from a transmission apparatus 41 to a SIP (Session InitiationProtocol) server 42, INVITE is issued as a session initiation requestand an outgoing call is started (F1). The SIP server 42 having receivedthis request on the transmission side issues INVITE to a SIP server 43on the reception side (F2). Along with this, a reply to the transmissionapparatus 41 is required within a predetermined time, and TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the transmission apparatus 41 (F4).

Then, the SIP server 43 on the reception side having received INVITEfrom the SIP server 42 on the transmission side issues INVITE to areception apparatus 44 (F3). Along with this, and TRYING as an interimreply is returned to the SIP server 42 on the transmission side (F5).

After that, the reception apparatus 44 having received INVITE from theSIP server 43 on the reception side plays a ringing tone and returnRINGING to the SIP server 43 on the reception side when a reply can bemade (F6). The SIP server 43 on the reception side having received thisreply returns RINGING to the SIP server 42 on the transmission side(F7).

The SIP server 42 having received this reply on the transmission sidereturns RINGING to the transmission apparatus 41 (F8). In parallel tothis reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at the transmissionapparatus 41, as the request is success, OK is returned to the SIPserver 43 on the reception side (F9).

The SIP server 43 having received this reply on the reception sidereturns OK to the SIP server 42 on the transmission side (F10). The SIPserver 42 having received this reply on the transmission side returns OKto the transmission apparatus 41 (F11).

The transmission apparatus 41 having received this reply replies ACKinforming that the session initiation has been confirmed to thereception apparatus (F12). Thus, the call connection between theapparatuses has been established. The above-described control is a callcontrol example based on the SIP in the T.38 communication.

Next, the data transfers D1 to D4 are performed as Media Session betweenthe transmission apparatus 41 and the reception apparatus 44 where thecall connection has been established.

Then, when all the data transfers are ended, from the transmissionapparatus 41 to the reception apparatus 44, BYE is issued as a sessionend request (F13). The reception apparatus 44 having received thisrequest replies OK to the transmission apparatus 41 (F14), and the callis disconnected to end the T.38 communication.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second session example in the data communicationapparatus according to the present embodiment. The present exampleillustrates a communication outline between a T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus and a facsimile apparatus connected via the T.38 GW.It is noted that in FIG. 4, F21 to F36 represent each session and, D11to D13 and D21 to D23 represent data transfers.

First, from the transmission apparatus 51 to a SIP server 52, INVITE isissued as a session initiation request and an outgoing call is started(F21), and the SIP server 52 having received this request on thetransmission side issues INVITE to a SIP server 53 on the reception side(F22). Along with this, a reply to the transmission apparatus 51 isrequired within a predetermined time, and TRYING as an interim reply isreturned to the transmission apparatus 51 (F24).

Then, the SIP server 53 having received INVITE on the reception sidefrom the SIP server 52 on the transmission side makes an outgoing callvia a T.38 GW 54 to a reception apparatus 55 while following the T.30communication procedure (F23). Along with this, TRYING as an interimreply is returned to the SIP server on the transmission side (F25).

Then, the reception apparatus 55 having the outgoing call based onINVITE from the SIP server 53 on the reception side returns RINGING tothe SIP server 53 on the reception side via the T.38 GW 54 when a replycan be made (F26).

The SIP server 53 having received this reply on the reception side viathe T.38 GW 54 returns RINGING to the SIP server 52 on the transmissionside (F27).

The SIP server 52 having received this reply on the transmission sidereturns RINGING to the transmission apparatus 51 (F28). In parallel tothis reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at the receptionapparatus 55, as the request is success, OK is returned to the SIPserver 53 on the reception side via the T.38 GW 54 (F29).

The SIP server 53 having received this reply via the T.38 GW 54 on thereception side returns OK to the SIP server 52 on the transmission side(F30). The SIP server 52 having received this reply on the transmissionside returns OK to the transmission apparatus 51 (F31). The transmissionapparatus 51 having received this reply replies ACK informing that thesession initiation has been confirmed to the T.38 GW 54 (F32). The T.38GW 54 having received this request replies ACK to the receptionapparatus 55 (F33). Thus, the call connection between the apparatuseshas been established.

Next, the data transfers D11 to D13 are performed as Media Sessionbetween the transmission apparatus 51 and the T.38 GW where the callconnection has been established.

Furthermore, the data transfers D21 to D23 based on the T.30communication are performed as Media Session between the T.38 GW 54 andthe reception apparatus 55 where the call connection has beenestablished.

When all the data transfers are ended, from the transmission apparatus51 to the T.38 GW 54, BYE is issued as a session end request (F34).Then, BYE is issued from the T.38 GW 54 to the reception apparatus 55(F35). The reception apparatus 55 having received this request repliesOK to the T.38 GW 54 (F36), and then the T.38 GW 54 replies OK to thetransmission apparatus 51 (F37). Thus, the call is disconnected to endthe T.38 communication and the T.30 communication.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first communication processingprocedure in the data communication apparatus according to the presentembodiment. This processing is a communication control example at thetime of a new communication request according to the present inventionin the system environment illustrated in FIG. 5. It is noted that S601to S611 represent each step. Also, each step is realized while the CPU207 illustrated in FIG. 2 loads a communication control program storedin the program ROM 222 onto the RAM 212 for the execution.

First, in S601, a new session initiation request is transmitted to theT.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus.

In this situation, in S602, the CPU 207 of a T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus determines about a communication partner. To be morespecific, the CPU 207 determines whether the communication partner ofthis session initiation request is the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus or the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus connected via the T.38 GW. This is because, in order to limitconcurrent communications based on a concurrent communication limitnumber as will be described in FIG. 7 later, it is necessary for the CPU207 to determine whether the session initiation request is transmittedfrom which communication partner.

At this time, in a case where it is determined that the new sessioninitiation request is transmitted from the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus, it is determined in S603 whether the concurrentcommunication limit number of the T.38 communications is already reachedwhen this communication request is transmitted.

It is noted that the concurrent communication limit number of the T.38communications is configured so as to be previously set by a commandfrom the operation panel unit 208 or the host computer (notillustrated). The limiting command management table 235, which is storedin the NVRAM 233, manages the concurrent communication limit number ofthe T.38 communications. In addition, a setting processing of theconcurrent communication limit number from the operation panel unit 208will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. At this time, areason why the concurrent communication limit number is set is that whena communication is performed with the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW or via the public line, a problemthat performing this processing becomes too late is avoided. It is notedthat the concurrent communication limit number is held on the RAM 212after an initialization processing is performed, and is referred to bythe CPU 207 at the time of communication control.

In S603, in a case where the CPU 207 determines that the concurrentcommunication limit number of the T.38 communications is reached, inS606, a processing of refusing the new session initiation request fromthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus is executed to endthis process.

On the other hand, in S603, in a case where the CPU 207 determines thatthe concurrent communication limit number of the T.38 communications isnot reached, it is determined in S604 whether a concurrent communicationlimit number the concurrent communication limit number of the entiretyof the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications is reached. Atthis time, in a case where the CPU 207 determines that the concurrentcommunication limit number of the entirety of the T.38 communicationsand the T.30 communications is reached, the process advances to S606 inwhich a processing of rejecting the new session initiation request fromthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus is executed.

On the other hand, in S604, in a case where the CPU 207 determines thatthe concurrent communication limit number of the entirety of the T.38communications and the T.30 communications is not reached, in S605, thisnew session initiation request from the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus is accepted as a new incoming call. Then, in S611,all the concurrent communications are continued and this process isended.

On the other hand, in S602, when it is determined that the new sessioninitiation request is transmitted from the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatus connected via the T.38 GW, it is determined in S607whether a concurrent communication limit number of the T.30communications already executed via the T.38 GW 54 is reached when thiscommunication request is transmitted.

At this time, in a case where the CPU 207 determines that the concurrentcommunication limit number of the T.30 communications is reached, theprocess advances to S610. Then, in S610, a processing of rejecting thenew session initiation request from the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatus is rejected.

On the other hand, in a case where the CPU 207 determines in S607 that,that the concurrent communication limit number of the T.30communications is not reached, the process advances to S608. Then, theCPU 207 further determines in S608 whether the concurrent communicationlimit number of the entirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30communications is reached. At this time, in a case where the CPU 207determines that the concurrent communication limit number of theentirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications isreached, the process advances to S610. Then, in S610, a processing ofrejecting the new session initiation request from the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatus is executed and this process is ended.

On the other hand, the CPU 207 determines in S608 that the concurrentcommunication limit number of the entirety of the T.38 communicationsand the T.30 communications is not reached, the process advances toS609. Then, in S609, this new session initiation request from the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatus is accepted as a new incomingcall, and in S611, all the concurrent communications are continued andthis process is ended.

It is noted that according to the present embodiment, the first orsecond concurrent communication number found in S603 or S607 isdetermined with priority compared with the third concurrentcommunication number found in S604 or S608. When the first or secondconcurrent communication number is exceeded, the communication requestis limited immediately.

With this configuration, in a case where the concurrent communicationnumber set by the user is not exceeded, it is possible to avoid theproblem that performing the processing becomes too late when thecommunication is established with the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW or the public line.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a display transit of a user I/Fscreen of a user mode displayed on the operation panel unit 208illustrated in FIG. 2. The present example is a display shift example inwhich the user I/F screen is changed as the user issues operationinstructions from the operation panel unit 208. Herein, the displayshift is a screen shift example for setting the concurrent communicationlimit number of the T.38 communications.

To be more specific, this is an operation screen example of the settingrelated to the concurrent communication limit number illustrated in FIG.6. This concurrent communication limit number is information for the CPU207 to determine whether the new session initiation request is accepted.

It is noted that S701 to S704 correspond to a situation related to theinstructions to the operation panel unit 208 and the shift state of theoperation screen.

First, in S701, a “User mode” key (not illustrated) displayed on theoperation panel unit 208 is pressed, the screen is switched to a usermode main screen illustrated in S702 in accordance with the control ofthe CPU 207.

Herein, on the user mode main screen, buttons B1 to B10 are displayed.In this example, the button B1 is a button used for performing a “Commonspecification setting”. The button B2 is a button used for performing a“Timer setting”. The button B3 is a button used for performing an“Adjustment/cleaning”. The button B4 is a button used for performing a“Report specification setting”.

The button B5 is a button used for performing a “System managementsetting”. The button B6 is a button used for performing a “Copyspecification setting”. The button B7 is a button used for performing a“Transmission/reception specification setting”. The button B8 is abutton used for performing a “Box specification setting”. The button B9is a button used for performing a “Printer specification setting”. Thebutton B10 is a button used for performing an “Address tablespecification setting”.

From the screen, when the button B7 corresponding to“Transmission/reception specification setting” is pressed by the user,the screen is switched to a transmission/reception specification settingscreen illustrated in S703.

On this transmission/reception specification setting screen, buttons B11to B13 are displayed.

The button B11 is a button used for performing a “transmission usesetting”. The button B12 is a button used for performing a “receptionuse setting”. The button B13 is a button used for performing a “T.38concurrent communication number setting”. From thistransmission/reception specification setting screen, when the userpresses the “T.38 concurrent communication number setting” buttoncorresponding to the button B13, the screen is switched to a T.38concurrent communication number setting screen display illustrated inS704.

On this T.38 concurrent communication number setting screen, it ispossible for the user to set the concurrent communication limit numberat the time of executing the T.38 communications.

That is, three types of the concurrent communication limit number can beset, for example, which include “Concurrent communication limit numberof T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone”, “Concurrentcommunication limit number of T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via T.38 GW”, and “Concurrent communication limit number ofentirety of T.38 communications and T.30 communications”.

According to the present embodiment, the following examples are adoptedregarding settable ranges for the respective limit values. The“Concurrent communication limit number of T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone” is prescribed as “1 to 10”. This allowssetting of the limit value for the number of apparatuses such as thetransmission apparatus 41 and the reception apparatus 44 illustrated inFIG. 4 which can mutually perform the T.38 communication.

Then, the “Concurrent communication limit number of T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses via T.38 GW” is prescribed as “1 to 3”.Furthermore, the “Concurrent communication limit number of entirety ofT.38 communications and T.30 communications” is prescribed as “2 to 13”.

Herein, the user can freely set the three types of the limit numberswithin the respective settable ranges by using the numeric keypads (notillustrated) in the operation panel unit 208.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the value of the“Concurrent communication limit number of entirety of T.38communications and T.30 communications” is set as follows. For example,a summation (in this case, 13, for example) of the value of the“Concurrent communication limit number of T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone” (in this case, 10, for example) and thevalue of the “Concurrent communication limit number of T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via T.38 GW” (in this case,3, for example) is set. It is noted that the values can be set freely ifthis summation is not exceeded. Herein, the summation means theconcurrent communication limit number of the entirety of the T.38communications and the T.30 communications.

In other words, the concurrent communication limit number of the T.38communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone and the concurrentcommunication limit number of the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via the T.38 GW are individually provided, and at the sametime, the concurrent communication limit number of the entirety of theT.38 communications and the T.30 communications is independentlyprovided.

With this configuration, it is possible for the user to perform thedetailed setting/operation in accordance with a traffic situation of thenetwork circuit or the public analog circuit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a first communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied. The present example ispremised on that the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus hasthe above-described user mode illustrated in FIG. 7 with which theconcurrent communication limit number can be set and the above-describeddetermination on the new session initiation request illustrated in FIG.6 has the routine.

This corresponds to a communication example in a case where theconcurrent communication limit number of the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses 84 and 85 connected via a T.38 GW 83 is reached,new session initiation requests are transmitted from the facsimileapparatuses 84 and 85.

It is noted that according to the present embodiment, theabove-described concurrent communication limit numbers illustrated inFIG. 7 are previously set by the user in the operation panel unit 208.

Herein, the “Concurrent communication limit number of T.38 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses alone” is set as “10”, the “Concurrentcommunication limit number of T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via T.38 GW” is set as “3”, and the “Concurrentcommunication limit number of entirety of T.38 communications and T.30communications” is set as “13”. A description will be provided of a casewhere while the concurrent communication number of the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW has alreadyreached “3” that is the limit value, the new session initiation requestsare transmitted from the facsimile apparatuses 84 and 85.

In addition, for simplicity, in the communication example illustrated inFIG. 8, a description will be provided of a case where SIP servers ofthe facsimile apparatuses 84 and 85 are omitted and only a single T.38GW 83 is provided as the T.38 GW is provided.

Hereinafter, a facsimile apparatus 81 is a T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus. Also, F81 to F110 represent each session.

First, from the facsimile apparatus 81 to a SIP server 82, INVITE isissued as a session initiation request and an outgoing call is started(F81). The SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 having receivedthis request issues INVITE to a SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 84 (F82).

Along with this, the SIP server 82 is required to reply within apredetermined time to the facsimile apparatus 81, and thus TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus 81 (F83). The SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 having receivedINVITE from the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 issuesINVITE via the T.38 GW 83 to the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus 84 while following the T.30 communication. Along with this,TRYING as an interim reply is returned to the SIP server 82 of thefacsimile apparatus 81.

In this manner, the facsimile apparatus 84 having received INVITE fromthe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 via theT.38 GW 83 performs the following processing when a reply can be made.For example, a ringing tone is played to the SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 and RINGING is returned viathe T.38 GW 83 (F84).

The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 havingreceived this reply via the T.38 GW 83 returns RINGING to the SIP server82 of the facsimile apparatus 81.

At this stage, from the facsimile apparatus 85 via the T.38 GW 83 to aSIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 85, INVITE isissued as a new session initiation request and an outgoing call isstarted while following the T.30 protocol.

With this configuration, the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 85 having received INVITE via the T.38 GW 83 fromthe facsimile apparatus 85 issues INVITE to the SIP server 82 of thefacsimile apparatus while following the T.38 protocol (F85).

Then, the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 having receivedINVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus85 issues INVITE to the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus(F86).

Then, the facsimile apparatus 81 having received INVITE from the SIPserver 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 is in a state where theconcurrent communication number with the G3 FAX via the T.38 GW 83 hasalready reached “3” that is the limit number. For this reason, based onthe above-described determination in the flowchart of FIG. 6, thesession initiation request from the facsimile apparatus 85 is notaccepted. Thus, Busy is returned to the SIP server 82 of the facsimileapparatus 81 (F87), and the new incoming call of the G3 FAX via the T.38GW 83 is rejected.

In this manner, the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 havingreceived Busy from the facsimile apparatus 81 issues Busy to the SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 85. The SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 85 having received Busyfrom the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 issues Busy to thefacsimile apparatus 85 via the T.38 GW 83 while following the T.30protocol (F88).

With this configuration, the new session initiation request from theT.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW 83 is notaccepted, and therefore only the communications having already initiatedare continued.

That is, the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 having receivedthe reply of RINGING from the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 84 returns RINGING to the facsimile apparatus 81.

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made on thefacsimile apparatus 84 side, as the request is success, the facsimileapparatus 84 returns OK via the T.38 GW 83 to the SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84. The SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 having received this replyvia the T.38 GW 83 returns OK to the SIP server 82 of the facsimileapparatus 81 (F89).

The SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 having received thisreply returns OK to the facsimile apparatus 81 (F90).

The facsimile apparatus 81 having received this reply replies ACKinforming that the session initiation has been confirmed to the SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84. The SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 84 having received thisrequest replies ACK to the T.38 GW 83 (F91). The T.38 GW 83 havingreceived this request replies ACK to the facsimile apparatus 84 (F92).Thus, the call connection between the apparatuses has been established.

The above-described control is a call control based on the SIP withrespect to the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus connectedvia the T.38 GW 83.

Next, the data transfer is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 81 and the T.38 GW 83where the call connection is established. Furthermore, the datatransfers (D81 to D84) are performed as Media Session while followingthe T.30 protocol between the T.38 GW 83 and the facsimile apparatus 84where the call connection is established.

In this manner, when all the data transfers are ended, from thefacsimile apparatus 81 to the T.38 GW 83, BYE is issued as a session endrequest (F93). Then, BYE is issued from the T.38 GW 83 to the facsimileapparatus 84 (F94).

The facsimile apparatus 84 having received this request replies OK tothe T.38 GW 83 (F95), and the T.38 GW 83 replies OK to the facsimileapparatus 81 (F96). Thus, the call is disconnected. With thisconfiguration, the T.38 communication and the T.30 communication areended.

With this configuration, the concurrent communication number of the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW 83 ischanged from “3” that is the limit value to “2”. Thus, the newcommunication form the facsimile apparatus 85 can be concurrentlyaccepted.

In this situation, from the facsimile apparatus 85 via the T.38 GW 83 tothe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 85, INVITEis issued again as a new session initiation request and an outgoing callis started while following the T.30 protocol.

Then, the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 85having received INVITE from the facsimile apparatus 85 via the T.38 GW83 issues INVITE to the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81while following the T.38 protocol (F97). Along with this, a reply isrequired within a predetermined time to the facsimile apparatus 85, andthus TRYING as an interim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus85 via the T.38 GW 83.

In this manner, the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 85 issues INVITE to the facsimile apparatus 81 (F98). Alongwith this, TRYING as an interim reply is returned to the SIP server ofthe facsimile apparatus 85 (F99). Then, the facsimile apparatus 81having received INVITE from the SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus81 performs the above-described determination illustrated in FIG. 6.Then, from this determination result, when a reply can be made, aringing tone is played and RINGING is returned to the SIP server 82 ofthe facsimile apparatus 81 (F100).

The SIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 having received thisreply returns RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 85. The SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 85 having received this reply returns RINGING viathe T.38 GW 83 to the facsimile apparatus 85 (F101).

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at thefacsimile apparatus 81, as the request is success, OK is returned to theSIP server 82 of the facsimile apparatus 81 (F102).

The SIP server of the facsimile apparatus 81 having received this replyreturns OK to the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 85. The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 85 having received this reply returns OK via the T.38 GW 83 tothe facsimile apparatus 85 (F103). The facsimile apparatus 85 havingreceived this reply replies ACK informing that the session initiationhas been confirmed to the T.38 GW 83 (F104). Then, the T.38 GW 83 havingreceived this request replies ACK to the facsimile apparatus 81 (F105).Thus, the call connection between the apparatuses has been established.

The above-described control is a call control based on the SIP in the G3FAX connected to the T.38 via the T.38 GW.

Next, the data transfer is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.30 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 85 and the T.38 GW 83where the call connection has been established. Furthermore, datatransfers (D85 to D88) are performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the T.38 GW and the facsimile apparatus 81where the call connection has been established.

In this manner, when all the data transfers are ended, from thefacsimile apparatus 85 to the T.38 GW 83, BYE is issued as a session endrequest (F106). Then, BYE is issued from the T.38 GW 83 to the facsimileapparatus 81 (F108). The facsimile apparatus 81 having received thisrequest replies OK to the T.38 GW 83 (F109). Then, the T.38 GW 83replies OK to the facsimile apparatus 85 (F110). Thus, the call isdisconnected to end the T.38 communication and the T.30 communication.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the limit values of theT.38 communications and the T.30 communications are respectively held inthe form of the limit value of the concurrent communication number ofthe entirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications.

To be more specific, the limit value of the concurrent communicationnumber of the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone,the limit value of the concurrent communication number with the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW, and thelimit value of the concurrent communication number of the entirety ofthe T.38 communications and the T.30 communications are respectivelyheld.

Then, in a case where a plurality of communications are concurrentlyperformed via the network, if a new session initiation request isissued, the determination as to whether the new incoming call isaccepted is made depending on whether the three limit values of theconcurrent communication numbers are reached. To be more specific,depending on whether the communication number of the T.38 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses alone, the communication number with theT.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW, and asummation of the communication numbers reaches the above-described threelimit values of the concurrent communication numbers, the determinationas to whether the new incoming call is accepted is made.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, the determination asto whether the transmission origin is the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus or the communication number with the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW is made basedon the new incoming call information (Invite signal). Then, in a casewhere the number of the concurrent communications already performedreaches the determined limit value or a case where the summation reachesthe limit value, as the concurrent communication equal to or more thanthe limit value cannot be performed, the new incoming call is notaccepted and BUSY or Disconnect is returned. It is noted that thecommunication request of this new incoming call can also be issued againafter the same type of the communication as the incoming call is ended.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where the concurrentcommunication number with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via the T.38 GW reaches the limit value, the control isperformed so as to reject the incoming call from the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatus via the new T.38 GW. As a result, it ispossible to attain the stable communication condition without causingcommunication errors.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

According to the above-described first exemplary embodiment, the T.38apparatus has a user mode with which the above-described the concurrentcommunication limit numbers illustrated in FIG. 7 can be set and theabove-described determination on the new session initiation requestillustrated in FIG. 6 has the routine. Then, the description has beenprovided of the case in which when the concurrent communication numberwith the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38GW reaches the limit value, the new session initiation request is issuedfrom the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38GW. Hereinafter, a description will be provided of an embodiment inwhich the concurrent communication number of the entirety of the T.38communications and the T.30 communications which are currently incommunications reaches the limit value with reference to FIG. 9.

According to the present embodiment, the concurrent communication limitnumbers illustrated in FIG. 7 are set in advance as follows. The“Concurrent communication limit number of T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone” is set as “10”, the “Concurrentcommunication number with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via the T.38 GW” is set as “3”, and the “Concurrentcommunication limit number of entirety of T.38 communications and T.30communications” is set as “13”. Then, a description will be provided ofa case in which while the concurrent communication number of the T.38communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone does not reach thelimit value “10” yet but the concurrent communication number of theentirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications alreadyreaches the limit value “13”, the new session initiation request fromthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a second communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied. According to thisexample, a description will be provided of a case in which SIP serversof facsimile apparatuses 94 and 95 are omitted for simplicity, and onlya single T.38 GW 93 is provided as the T.38 GW. It is noted thatfacsimile apparatuses 91 and 95 are the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses, but may also be composed of informationprocessing apparatuses having other communication control functions. Thefacsimile apparatus 94 is the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus but may also be composed of an information processingapparatus having other communication control functions.

First, from the facsimile apparatus 91 to a SIP server 92, INVITE isissued as a session initiation request and an outgoing call is started(F121). The SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 having receivedthis request issues INVITE to a SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 94. Along with this, a reply to the facsimileapparatus 91 is required within a predetermined time, and TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus 91 (F123).

The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91issues INVITE via the facsimile apparatus 93 to the facsimile apparatus94 while following the T.30 protocol (F122). Along with this, TRYING asan interim reply is returned to the SIP server 92 of the facsimileapparatus 91.

In this manner, the facsimile apparatus 94 having received INVITE fromthe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94 via theT.38 GW 93 plays a ringing tone to the SIP server (not illustrated) ofthe facsimile apparatus 94 when a reply can be made. Then, RINGING isretuned via the facsimile apparatus 93 (F124). The SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94 having received this replyvia the T.38 GW 93 returns RINGING to the SIP server 92 of the facsimileapparatus 91.

At this stage, from the facsimile apparatus 95 to a SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 95, INVITE is issued as a newsession initiation request and an outgoing call is started whilefollowing the T.38 protocol. Then, the SIP server (not illustrated) ofthe facsimile apparatus 95 having received INVITE from the facsimileapparatus 95 issues INVITE to the SIP server 92 of the facsimileapparatus 91 (F125).

In this manner, the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 95 issues INVITE to the facsimile apparatus 91 (F126).

According to the situation of he facsimile apparatus 91 having receivedINVITE from the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91, theconcurrent communication number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone does not reach the limit value “10” yet butthe concurrent communication number of the entirety of the T.38communications and the T.30 communications already reaches the limitvalue “13”.

For this reason, based on the above-described determination in theflowchart of FIG. 6, the session initiation request is not accepted fromthe facsimile apparatus 95. For this reason, Busy is returned to the SIPserver 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 (F127) to reject the newincoming call.

In this manner, the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 havingreceived Busy from the facsimile apparatus 91 issues Busy to the SIPserver of the facsimile apparatus 95 (not illustrated) (F129).

In this manner, the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 95 having received Busy from the SIP server 92 of thefacsimile apparatus 91 issues Busy to the facsimile apparatus 95. Withthis configuration, the new session initiation request of the T.38communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone is not accepted, onlythe communications which already initiated are continued.

That is, the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 having receivedRINGING from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus94 returns RINGING to the facsimile apparatus 91 (F128).

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at the G3FAX, as the request is success, the facsimile apparatus 94 returns OKvia a T.38 GW 93 to the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 94.

The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94 havingreceived this reply via the T.38 GW 93 returns OK to the SIP server 92of the facsimile apparatus 91 (F130). The SIP server 92 of the facsimileapparatus 91 having received this reply returns OK to the facsimileapparatus 91 (F130).

The facsimile apparatus 91 having received this reply replies ACKinforming that the session initiation has been confirmed to the SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94. The SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 94 having received thisrequest replies ACK to the T.38 GW 93 (F131). The T.38 GW 93 havingreceived this request replies ACK to the facsimile apparatus 94 (F132).Thus, the call connection between the apparatuses has been established.

The above-described control is a call control based on the SIP withrespect to the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus connectedvia the T.38 GW 93.

Next, the data transfer is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 91 and the T.38 GW 93where the call connection has been established. Furthermore, datatransfers (D91 to D94) are performed as Media Session while followingthe T.30 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 94 and the T.38 GW 93where the call connection has been established.

When all the data transfers are ended, from the facsimile apparatus 91to the GW 93, BYE is issued as a session end request (F134). Then, BYEis issued from the GW 93 to the facsimile apparatus 94 (G3 FAX) (F135).The facsimile apparatus 94 (the G3 FAX) having received this requestreplies OK to the T.38 GW 93 (F136), and then the T.38 GW 93 replies OKto the facsimile apparatus 91 (F137). Thus, the call is disconnected toend the T.38 communication and the T.30 communication.

With this configuration, the concurrent communication number of theentirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications ischanged from the limit value “13” to “12”, and therefore the newcommunication from the facsimile apparatus 94 can be concurrentlyaccepted.

In this situation, from the facsimile apparatus 95 to the SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 95, INVITE is issued againas a new session initiation request and an outgoing call is startedwhile following the T.38 protocol. Then, the SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 95 having received INVITE fromthe facsimile apparatus 95 issues INVITE to the SIP server 92 of thefacsimile apparatus 91 (F138). Along with this, a reply to the facsimileapparatus 95 is required within a predetermined time, and TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus 95.

In this manner, the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 95 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 95 issues INVITE to the facsimile apparatus 81 (F139). Alongwith this, TRYING as an interim reply is returned to the SIP server ofthe facsimile apparatus 95 (F140).

The facsimile apparatus 91 having received INVITE from the SIP server 92of the facsimile apparatus 91 plays a ringing tone and returns RINGINGto the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 based on thedetermination of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 when a reply can bemade (F141).

The SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 having received thisreply returns RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 95. The SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 95 having received this reply returns RINGING to thefacsimile apparatus 95 (F142). In parallel to this reply of RINGING,when a reply can be made, as the request is success, the facsimileapparatus 91 returns OK to the SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus91 (F143). The SIP server 92 of the facsimile apparatus 91 havingreceived this reply returns OK to the SIP server (not illustrated) ofthe facsimile apparatus 95. The SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 95 having received this reply returns OK to thefacsimile apparatus 95 (F144). The facsimile apparatus 95 havingreceived this reply replies ACK informing that the session initiationhas been confirmed to the facsimile apparatus 91 (F145, F146). Thus, thecall connection between the apparatuses has been established. Theabove-described control is a call control based on the SIP in a case inwhich the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone areconnected to each other.

Next, data transfers D95 to D98 are performed as Media Session whilefollowing the T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 95 and thefacsimile apparatus 91 where the call connection has been established.

In this manner, when all the data transfers are ended, BYE is issuedfrom the facsimile apparatus 95 to the facsimile apparatus 91 (F147,F148). The facsimile apparatus 91 having received this request repliesOK to the facsimile apparatus 95 (F149, F150), and the call isdisconnected to end the T.38 communication.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the limit values arerespectively held in the form of the limit value of the concurrentcommunication number of the entirety of the T.38 communications and theT.30 communications.

To be more specific, the variable concurrent communication number limitbased on the T.38 protocol holds the limit value of the concurrentcommunication number of the T.38 communication capable facsimileapparatuses alone, the limit value of the concurrent communicationnumber of the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via theT.38 GW, and the limit value of the concurrent communication number ofthe entirety of the T.38 communications and the T.30 communications,respectively.

Then, in a case where a plurality of communications are concurrentlyperformed via the network, if a new session initiation request isissued, the determination as to whether the new incoming call isaccepted is made depending on whether the three limit values of theconcurrent communication numbers are reached.

To be more specific, the determination as to whether the transmissionorigin is the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus or thecommunication number with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus via the T.38 GW is made based on the new incoming callinformation (Invite signal). Then, in a case where the number of theconcurrent communications already performed reaches the determined limitvalue or a case where the summation reaches the limit value, as theconcurrent communication equal to or more than the limit value cannot beperformed, the new incoming call is not accepted and BUSY or Disconnectis returned. It is noted that the communication request of this newincoming call can also be issued again after the same type of thecommunication as the incoming call is ended.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where the totalconcurrent communication limit number is reached of the T.30communications via the T.38 GW, a new incoming call is not accepted fromthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus. As a result, it ispossible to attain the stable communication condition without causingcommunication errors.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

According to the above-described first and second exemplary embodiments,the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus has a user mode withwhich the above-described the concurrent communication limit numbersillustrated in FIG. 7 can be set and the above-described determinationon the new session initiation request illustrated in FIG. 6 has theroutine. Then, the description has been provided of the case in whichwhen the concurrent communication number with the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW reaches the limit value, anew session initiation request from the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW or the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatus.

Hereinafter, a description will be provided of an embodiment in whichthe concurrent communication number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone which are currently in communicationsreaches the limit value but the concurrent communication number with theT.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW doesnot reach the limit value with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a third communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied. According to thisexample, the above-described the concurrent communication limit numbersillustrated in FIG. 7 are previously set in the following manner. The“Concurrent communication limit number of T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone” is set as “10”, the “Concurrentcommunication number with T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatuses via T.38 GW” is set as “3”, and the “Concurrentcommunication limit number of entirety of T.38 communications and T.30communications” is set as “13”. Then, the situation is as follows. Theconcurrent communication number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone already reaches the limit value “10” but theconcurrent communication number with the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW does not reach the limit value“3”. Then, a description will be provided of a case in which the newsession initiation request is issued from the T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW.

In addition, for simplicity, in FIG. 10, SIP servers of facsimileapparatuses 104 and 105 are omitted, and a single T.38 GW 103 isprovided as the T.38 GW.

First, from a facsimile apparatus 101 to a SIP server 102 of thefacsimile apparatus 101, INVITE is issued as a session initiationrequest (F161) and an outgoing call is started. The SIP server 102 ofthe facsimile apparatus 101 having received this request issues INVITEto a SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 104 (F162).Along with this, a reply to the facsimile apparatus 101 is requiredwithin a predetermined time, and TRYING as an interim reply is returnedto the facsimile apparatus 101 (F163).

The SIP server of the facsimile apparatus 104 having received INVITEfrom the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101 issues INVITE tothe facsimile apparatus 104 and TRYING as an interim reply is returnedto the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101.

In this manner, the facsimile apparatus 104 having received INVITE fromthe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 104 plays aringing tone and return RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated) ofthe facsimile apparatus 104 when a reply can be made. The SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 104 having received thisreply returns RINGING to the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus101 (F164).

At this stage, INVITE is issued from the facsimile apparatus 105 via theT.38 GW 103 to a SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus105 as a new session initiation request and an outgoing call is startedwhile following the T.30 protocol.

Then, the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 105receives INVITE based on the T.30 protocol via the T.38 GW 103 from thefacsimile apparatus 105.

After that, the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus105 having received INVITE based on the T.30 protocol via the T.38 GW103 issues INVITE to the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101while following the T.38 protocol (F165). Along with this a reply to thefacsimile apparatus 105 is required within a predetermined time, andTRYING as an interim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus 105(F166).

In this manner, the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 105 issues INVITE to the facsimile apparatus (T.38) 101(F167). Along with this, TRYING as an interim reply is returned to theSIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 105.

In this situation, according to the communication condition between thefacsimile apparatus 101 and the facsimile apparatus 104, the SIP server102 of the facsimile apparatus 101 having received the reply RINGINGfrom the facsimile apparatus 104 returns RINGING to the facsimileapparatus 101 (F168).

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at thefacsimile apparatus 104, as the request is success, OK is returned tothe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 104. The SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 104 having receivedthis reply returns OK to the SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus101 (F169).

The SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101 having received thisreply returns OK to the facsimile apparatus 101 (F170). The facsimileapparatus 101 having received this reply replies ACK informing that thesession initiation has been confirmed to the facsimile apparatus 104(F171). Thus, the call connection between the apparatuses has beenestablished. The above-described control is a call control based on theSIP in the T.38.

Next, data transfer D111 is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 101 and the facsimileapparatus 104 a where the call connection has been established.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 105 and the facsimile apparatus 101, in thefacsimile apparatus 101 having received INVITE from the SIP server 102of the facsimile apparatus 101, the concurrent communication number ofthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone alreadyreaches the limit value “10”. However, the concurrent communicationnumber with the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatus via theT.38 GW 103 does not reach the limit value “3”.

For this reason, based on the above-described determination in theflowchart of FIG. 6, as the session initiation request from thefacsimile apparatus 105 can be accepted, the reply can be made. Then, aringing tone is played and RINGING is returned to the SIP server 102 ofthe facsimile apparatus 101 (F172).

The SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101 having received thisreply returns RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 105. The SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 105 having received this reply returns RINGING tothe facsimile apparatus 105 via the T.38 GW 103 (F173).

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made via theT.38 GW 103 to the G3 FAX, as the request is success, the facsimileapparatus 101 returns OK to the SIP server 102 of the facsimileapparatus 101 (F174). The SIP server 102 of the facsimile apparatus 101having received this reply returns OK to the SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 105. The SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 105 having received this replyreturns OK via the T.38 GW 103 to the facsimile apparatus 105 (F175).

Herein, according to the communication situation between the facsimileapparatus 101 and the facsimile apparatus 104, a data transfer D112 isperformed as final Media Session.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 105 and the facsimile apparatus 101, the facsimileapparatus 105 receives OK from the SIP server (not illustrated) of thefacsimile apparatus 105 via the T.38 GW 103. Then, the facsimileapparatus 105 replies ACK informing that the session initiation has beenconfirmed to the T.38 GW 103 (F176). The T.38 GW 103 having receivedthis reply replies ACK to the facsimile apparatus 101 (F177). Thus, thecall connection between the apparatuses has been established.

The above-described control is a call control based on the SIP incommunication capable facsimile apparatus connected via the T.38 GW.

Next, the data transfer D112 is performed as Media Session whilefollowing the T.30 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 105 and theT.38 GW 103 where the call connection has been established.

Furthermore, a data transfer D113 is performed as Media Session whilefollowing the T.38 protocol between the T.38 GW 103 and the facsimileapparatus 101 where the call connection has been established.

At this time, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 101 and the facsimile apparatus 104, when all thedata transfers are ended. Therefore, from the facsimile apparatus 101 tothe facsimile apparatus 104, BYE is issued as a session end request(F178). The reception apparatus having received this reply replies OK(F179). Thus, the call is disconnected to end the communication based onthe T.38 protocol.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 105 and the facsimile apparatus 101, data transfersD114 and D115 are performed as final Media Session.

In this manner, when all the data transfers are ended, from thefacsimile apparatus 105 to the T.38 GW 103, BYE is issued as a sessionend request (F180). Then, BYE is issued from the T.38 GW 103 to thefacsimile apparatus 101 (F181). The facsimile apparatus 101 havingreceived this request replies OK to the T.38 GW 103 (F182). Then, theT.38 GW 103 replies OK to the facsimile apparatus 105 (F183). Thus, thecall is disconnected to end the T.38 communication and the T.30communication.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the limit values arerespectively held as the form of the limit value of the concurrentcommunication number of the entirety of the T.38 communications and theT.30 communications.

To be more specific, the limit value of the concurrent communicationnumber of the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone,the limit value of the concurrent communication number with the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW, and thelimit value of the concurrent communication number of the entirety ofthe T.38 communications and the T.30 communications are respectivelyheld.

Then, in a case where a plurality of communications are concurrentlyperformed via the network, if a new session initiation request isissued, the determination as to whether the new incoming call isaccepted is made depending on whether the three limit values of theconcurrent communication numbers are reached.

To be more specific, the determination as to whether the transmissionorigin is the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus or thecommunication number with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus via the T.38 GW is made based on the new incoming callinformation (Invite signal). Then, in a case where the number of theconcurrent communications already performed reaches the determined limitvalue or a case where the summation reaches the limit value, as theconcurrent communication equal to or more than the limit value cannot beperformed, the new incoming call is not accepted and BUSY or Disconnectis returned. It is noted that the communication request of this newincoming call can also be issued again after the same type of thecommunication as the incoming call is ended.

According to the present embodiment, even in the case where theconcurrent communication limit number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone is reached, if the concurrent communicationlimit number with the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatusesvia the T.38 GW is not reached, the new incoming call is accepted. As aresult, it is possible to attain the stable communication conditionwithout causing communication errors. Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

According to the above-described first and second exemplary embodiments,the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus has a user mode withwhich the above-described the concurrent communication limit numbersillustrated in FIG. 7 can be set and the above-described determinationon the new session initiation request illustrated in FIG. 6 has theroutine. Then, the description has been provided of the case in whichwhen the concurrent communication number with the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW reaches the limit value,the new session initiation request is issued from the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatus via the T.38 GW or the T.38 communicationcapable facsimile apparatus.

In other words, the description has been provided of the case in whichthe concurrent communication number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone which are currently in communicationsreaches the limit value, but the concurrent communication number withthe T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GWdoes not reach the limit value. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which theconcurrent communication number of the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses alone which are currently in communications doesnot reach the limit value yet will be described with reference to FIG.11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a fourth communication phase examplein the image forming apparatus to which the data communication apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

According to this example, the above-described the concurrentcommunication limit numbers illustrated in FIG. 7 are previously set inthe following manner.

To be more specific, the “Concurrent communication limit number of T.38communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone” is set as “10”, the“Concurrent communication number with T.30 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses via T.38 GW” is set as “3”, and the “Concurrentcommunication limit number of entirety of T.38 communications and T.30communications” is set as “13”. Also, a description will be provided ofa case in which while the concurrent communication number of the T.38communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone does not reach thelimit value “10” yet, the new session initiation request is issued fromthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus.

In addition, for simplicity, in FIG. 11, SIP servers of facsimileapparatuses 114 and 115 are omitted, and only a single T.38 GW 113 isprovided as the T.38 GW.

First, from a facsimile apparatus 111 to a SIP server 112 of thefacsimile apparatus 111, INVITE is issued as a session initiationrequest and an outgoing call is started (F191). The SIP server 112 ofthe facsimile apparatus 111 having received this request issues INVITEto a SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 114 (F192).Along with this, a reply to the facsimile apparatus 111 is requiredwithin a predetermined time, and TRYING as an interim reply is returnedto the facsimile apparatus 111 (F193).

Then, the SIP server of the facsimile apparatus 114 having receivedINVITE from the SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 issuesINVITE to the facsimile apparatus 114. Along with this, TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the SIP server of the facsimile apparatus111.

The facsimile apparatus 114 having received INVITE from the SIP server(not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 114 plays a ringing toneand returns RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 114 when a reply can be made. The SIP server (not illustrated)of the facsimile apparatus 114 having received this reply returnsRINGING to the SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 (F194).

At this stage, INVITE is issued from the facsimile apparatus 115 to aSIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115 as a newsession initiation request and an outgoing call is started whilefollowing the T.38 protocol. Then, the SIP server (not illustrated) ofthe facsimile apparatus 115 having received INVITE from the facsimileapparatus 115 issues INVITE to the SIP server 112 of the facsimileapparatus 111 (F195). Along with this, a reply to the facsimileapparatus 115 a reply to the transmission apparatus 51, and TRYING as aninterim reply is returned to the facsimile apparatus 115 (F196).

In this manner, the SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 havingreceived INVITE from the SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimileapparatus 115 issues INVITE to the facsimile apparatus 111 (T.38)(F197). Along with this, TRYING as an interim reply is returned to theSIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115.

In this situation, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 111 and the facsimile apparatus 114, the SIP server112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 having received the reply RINGINGfrom the facsimile apparatus 114 returns RINGING to the facsimileapparatus 111 (F198).

In parallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made at thefacsimile apparatus 114, as the request is success, OK is returned tothe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 114. The SIPserver (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 114 having receivedthis reply returns OK to the SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus111 (F199).

The SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 having received thisreply returns OK to the facsimile apparatus 111 (T.38) (F200). Thefacsimile apparatus 111 (T.38) having received this reply replies ACKinforming that the session initiation has been confirmed to the SIPserver 112 (T.38) (F201). Thus, the call connection between theapparatuses has been established. The above-described control is a callcontrol the based on SIP in the T.38.

Next, a data transfer D121 is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 111 and the facsimileapparatus 114 where the call connection has been established.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 115 and the facsimile apparatus 111, in thefacsimile apparatus 111 having received INVITE from the SIP server 112of the facsimile apparatus 111, the concurrent communication number ofthe T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone does notreach the limit value “10”. For this reason, based on theabove-described determination in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the sessioninitiation request can be accepted from the facsimile apparatus 115 andthus the reply can be made. In this situation, a ringing tone is playedand RINGING is returned to the SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus111 (F202). The SIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 havingreceived this reply returns RINGING to the SIP server (not illustrated)of the facsimile apparatus 115 (F203).

The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115 havingreceived this reply returns RINGING to the facsimile apparatus 115. Inparallel to this reply of RINGING, when a reply can be made in the T.38,as the request is success, the facsimile apparatus 111 returns OK to theSIP server 112 of the facsimile apparatus 111 (F204). The SIP server 112of the facsimile apparatus 111 having received this reply returns OK tothe SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115 (F205).The SIP server (not illustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115 havingreceived this reply returns OK to the facsimile apparatus 111.

At this time, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 111 and the facsimile apparatus 114, a data transferD122 is performed as final Media Session.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 115 and the facsimile apparatus 111, the facsimileapparatus 115 receives the reply OK from the SIP server (notillustrated) of the facsimile apparatus 115. Then, the facsimileapparatus 115 having received the reply OK replies ACK informing thatthe session initiation has been confirmed to the facsimile apparatus 111(F206). Thus, the call connection between the apparatuses has beenestablished. The above-described control is a call control based on theSIP in the T.38.

Next, a data transfer D123 is performed as Media Session while followingthe T.38 protocol between the facsimile apparatus 115 and the facsimileapparatus 111 where the call connection has been established.

Herein, according to the communication situation between the facsimileapparatus 111 and the facsimile apparatus 114, all the data transfersare ended. Therefore, from the facsimile apparatus 111 to the facsimileapparatus 114, BYE is issued as a session end request (F207). Thereception apparatus having received this reply replies OK (F208). Thus,the call is disconnected to end the communication based on the T.38protocol.

On the other hand, according to the communication situation between thefacsimile apparatus 115 and the facsimile apparatus 111, a data transferD124 is performed as final Media Session.

In this manner, when all the data transfers are ended, BYE is issuedfrom the facsimile apparatus 115 to the facsimile apparatus 111 (F209).The facsimile apparatus 111 having received this request replies OK(F210). Thus, the call is disconnected to end the communication based onthe T.38 protocol.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the limit values arerespectively held in the form of the limit value of the concurrentcommunication number of the entirety of the T.38 communications and theT.30 communications.

To be more specific, the limit value of the concurrent communicationnumber of the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatuses alone,the limit value of the concurrent communication number with the T.30communication capable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW, and thelimit value of the concurrent communication number of the entirety ofthe T.38 communications and the T.30 communications are respectivelyheld.

Then, in a case where a plurality of communications are concurrentlyperformed via the network, if a new session initiation request isissued, the determination as to whether the new incoming call isaccepted is made depending on whether the three limit values of theconcurrent communication numbers are reached.

To be more specific, the determination as to whether the transmissionorigin is the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatus or thecommunication number with the T.30 communication capable facsimileapparatus via the T.38 GW is made based on the new incoming callinformation (Invite signal). Then, in a case where the number of theconcurrent communications already performed reaches the determined limitvalue or a case where the summation reaches the limit value, as theconcurrent communication equal to or more than the limit value cannot beperformed, the new incoming call is not accepted and BUSY or Disconnectis returned. The communication request of this new incoming call canalso be issued again after the same type of the communication as theincoming call is ended.

With this configuration, in a case where the number of the concurrentcommunications of the T.38 communication capable facsimile apparatusesalone does not reach the concurrent communication limit number, the newincoming call is accepted. As a result, it is possible to attain thestable communication condition without causing communication errors.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

According to the above-described respective exemplary embodiments, afirst limit value for limiting the number of the concurrentcommunications related to the communications with the T.30 communicationcapable facsimile apparatuses via the T.38 GW is set. Then, a secondlimit value for limiting the number of the concurrent communicationsrelated to the communications with the T.38 communication capablefacsimile apparatuses is set. Furthermore, a third limit value forlimiting the number of the concurrent communications related to thecommunications with the T.30 communication capable facsimile apparatusesand the communications with the T.38 communication capable facsimileapparatuses is set. Then, the description has been provided of the casein which the respective numbers of the concurrent communications arelimited based on these limit values. However, the usability may beimproved by tracking a variation in the communication environment todynamically change the set respective limit values or by relaxing thelimit of the communication request on one side and restricting thecommunication request on the other side.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

Hereinafter, a configuration of a data processing program which can beread by a data communication apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described with reference to a memory mapillustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a memory map of a storage mediumstoring various data processing programs which can be read by the datacommunication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

It is noted that in particular, although not illustrated in the drawing,information for managing a program group stored in a storage medium, forexample, version information, creators, etc., and information relying onan OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, icons foridentifying the programs for the display, etc., may also be stored insome cases.

Furthermore, data belonging to the various programs is also managed bythe above-described directory. In addition, a program for installing thevarious programs into the computer, a program for decompressing theprogram in a case where the program to be installed is compressed, andother programs may also be stored.

The functions illustrated in FIG. 6 according to the present embodimentmay be executed by the host computer based on a program installed fromoutside. In this case, the present invention is also applied to a casewhere an information group including the program is supplied to anoutput apparatus through a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flashmemory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via the network.

As described above, the storage medium on which a program code ofsoftware for realizing the above-described functions according to theembodiments is stored is supplied to a system or an apparatus. Thepresent invention is of course achieved when a computer (or a CPU or anMPU) of the system or the apparatus reads out and executes the programcode stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code read itself from the storage mediumrealizes a new function according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutesthe embodiment according to the present invention.

Therefore, as long as the functions of the program is provided, any modeof the program may be employed such as an object code, a programexecuted by an interpreter, and a script data supplied to the OS.

As the storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexibledisk, a hard disk drive, an optical disk, an opto-magnetic disk, an MO,a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card,a ROM, and a DVD can be used.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage mediumrealizes the above-described functions according to the embodiment ofthe present invention, and the storage medium storing the program codeconstitutes the embodiment according to the present invention.

In addition, as a method of supplying the program, a browser of a clientcomputer is used to establish a connection to a website on the Internet.Then, the supply can be achieved while a computer program itself or acompression file including an automatic install function is downloadedfrom the website onto a recording medium such as a hard disk drive.Also, the embodiment according to the present invention can also berealized when the program code constituting the program according to theembodiment of the present invention is divided into a plurality offiles, and the respective files are downloaded from different websites.In other words, a www server, an ftp server, or the like for allowing aplurality of user to download the program file with which the functionprocessing according to the embodiment of the present invention isrealized by the computer is also included in the scope of the presentinvention.

Moreover, the program according to the embodiment of the presentinvention is encrypted and stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROMto be distributed to users. The user who clears a predeterminedcondition is allowed to download key information for decoding theencryption via the Internet from a website. Then, the key information isused to execute the encrypted program to be installed onto the computerand thus the above-described functions according to the embodiment ofthe present invention can also be realized.

The above-described functions according to the embodiment of the presentinvention are realized not only by executing the program code read bythe computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code,an OS (operation system) or the like running on the computer performsall or a part of an actual processing. Such a case is also of coursewithin the scope of the present invention that the above-describedfunctions according to the embodiment of the present invention arerealized by the processing.

Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium is writteninto a memory which is provided to a function expansion board insertedthe computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer.After that, based on an instruction of the program code, a CPU or thelike provided to the function expansion board or the function expansionunit performs all or a part of an actual processing. Such a case is alsoof course within the scope of the present invention that theabove-described functions according to the embodiment of the presentinvention are realized by the processing.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, as is well known to those skilled in the art, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedexemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to beaccorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass allmodifications (including organic combinations of the respectiveexemplary embodiments), equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.2006-315451 filed Nov. 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A facsimile apparatus, comprising: a facsimile communication unitconfigured to execute at least one of a first facsimile communicationwhich is executed via a first communication path including a public lineand a second facsimile communication which is executed via a secondcommunication path that does not include the public line; a managementunit configured to manage limit information indicating a number ofcommunications which can be executed in parallel, the communicationsincluding at least one of the first facsimile communication and thesecond facsimile communication; an accepting unit configured to acceptan initiation request of a new facsimile communication when a facsimilecommunication is executed by using at least one of the firstcommunication path and the second communication path; a determinationunit configured to determine whether a communication path used for thenew facsimile communication is the first communication path or thesecond communication path; and a control unit configured to control thefacsimile communication unit by determining whether or not to initiatethe new facsimile communication based on the limit information managedby the management unit and a determination result of the determinationunit.
 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstcommunication path is a communication path including the public line atleast and one of a LAN and an Internet, and the first facsimilecommunication includes a real-time Internet facsimile communicationexecuted via a gateway apparatus and a G3 facsimile communication. 3.The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondcommunication path is a communication path which does not include thepublic line but includes at least one of a LAN and an Internet, and thesecond facsimile communication is a real-time Internet facsimilecommunication.
 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe management unit individually manages a first limit informationindicating the number of communications related to the firstcommunication communications which can be executed in parallel, a secondlimit information indicating the number of communications related to thesecond facsimile communication which can be executed in parallel, and athird limit information indicating the number of communications relatedto the first facsimile communication and the second facsimilecommunication which can be executed in parallel.
 5. The facsimileapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first limit information hasthe number of communications set smaller than the number ofcommunications indicated by the second limit information.
 6. Thefacsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a settingunit configured to set the limit information managed by the managementunit based on an instruction of a user.
 7. The facsimile apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines, in a casewhere a total number of communications related to the new facsimilecommunication and facsimile communications already executed in paralleldo not exceed the number indicated by the limit information managed bythe management unit, that the new facsimile communication is initiatedand instructs the facsimile communication unit to execute the newfacsimile communication.
 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim1, wherein the control unit determines, in a case where a total numberof communications including the new facsimile communication exceeds thenumber indicated by the limit information managed by the managementunit, that the new facsimile communication is not initiated andinstructs the facsimile communication unit to refuse the new facsimilecommunication.
 9. A control method for a facsimile apparatus which iscapable of executing at least one of a first facsimile communicationwhich is executed via a first communication path including a public lineand a second facsimile communication which is executed via a secondcommunication path that does not include the public line, the controlmethod comprising: storing limit information in a storage medium andmanaging the limit information indicating a number of communicationswhich can be executed in parallel, the communications including at leastone of the first facsimile communication and the second facsimilecommunication; accepting an initiation request of a new facsimilecommunication when a facsimile communication is executed by using atleast one of the first communication path and the second communicationpath; determining whether a communication path used for the newfacsimile communication is the first communication path or the secondcommunication path; and controlling an execution of the facsimilecommunication by determining whether or not to initiate the newfacsimile communication based on the managed limit information and aresult of the determination.
 10. A computer readable storage mediumstoring a program for instructing a computer to execute a control methodfor a facsimile apparatus which is capable of executing at least one ofa first facsimile communication which is executed via a firstcommunication path including a public line and a second facsimilecommunication which is executed via a second communication path thatdoes not include the public line, the control method comprising: storinglimit information in a storage medium and managing the limit informationindicating a number of communications which can be executed in parallel,the communications including at least one of the first facsimilecommunication and the second facsimile communication; accepting aninitiation request of a new facsimile communication when a facsimilecommunication is executed by using at least one of the firstcommunication path and the second communication path; determiningwhether a communication path used for the new facsimile communication isthe first communication path or the second communication path; andcontrolling an execution of the facsimile communication by determiningwhether or not to initiate the new facsimile communication based on themanaged limit information and a result of the determination.